How many of you guys have changed just the oil filter once you reached the recommended 5000 mile limit but were still on the road and didn't have the resources or want to take the time to do a complete oil change? I run 20W-50 Amsoil in my 2008 FLHR and will be about halfway through my trip (1600 miles) when the oil should be changed. I'm thinking the oil will still be fine and if I can get a new oil filter on there, it should remove the necessary grit and what not until I can get home. Also, if I do decide to do this (with the good blessings of the guys on this forum), how much oil will I expect to lose if I change out just the filter? Thanks ahead of time for the advice?

 

Interesting question, I have never thought of changing just the filter, but I suppose you would only lose what is in the filter, maybe a pint or so I am guessing. I have had many oil changes done on the road at the local Harley dealer. I know there is not as many as there once was but you still should be able to find one within 1600 miles of where ever you may be.

 

I have........just make sure you top off the oil as well and changing the filter.

sometimes I will leave the filter and change it every second oil change.

 

Why don't you change it before you leave to go on the trip, that would be at 3400 miles usage on your oil. Or when you get back, that would be 8400 miles on oil. My 911 went 15K on Mobil 1. I would not change just the filter on the road.

 

I have change the oil before, but not the filter, the oil breaks down long before the filter does

 

Should be able to do 10k easy on the Amsoil, even 15k and still have plenty protection. If you feel better just change filter at 5k, cant hold that much oil. 1/2 or 3/4 of a cup? That synthetic oil has lots of life in it, the filter is the main concern in your case!

 

I wouldn't change oil or filter,1600 miles more on your oil won't hurt it !!!
Change it when you get back home !!!

 

Either change it all before you leave, or leave it alone until you get home, why invite problems on the road?

 

Run it untill you can do the complete oil change,you will not hurt a thing.Not sure? have a filter cut apart then you will see.These things are designed to go a long time.My automobiles get oil and filter changes once a yr at approx 12K using Amsoil.Been doing it for many years!

 

If you can change a filter why not do the oil also? Amsoil gets just as dirty as any other oil, I'd change it before the trip.